Lun'Art
What's your name?
Elodie
Where are you based?
Matougues (in the French region of Champagne-Ardenne)
Tell us about what your ordinary day looks like.
I am a visual arts teacher at a middle school near the picturesque town of Troyes, and I am responsible for students aged 11 to 15. When I am not working on my lessons or grading my students’ work, I enjoy spending my time on various creative and playful projects (watercolor, drawing, puzzles, embroidery, etc.). With music, a podcast in my ears, or while watching a favorite series I already know, it’s even better! :)
How did you get into the world of puzzling?
Since I was very young, I have always loved activities that allow me to fully immerse myself. “Window color” painting, coloring books, building blocks, drawing from models, and of course, doing puzzles—I was rarely bored as a child. I especially enjoyed regularly doing the same puzzles that were at my grandparents’ house. They were a collection inspired by the beautiful illustrations from the Belgian publishing house Casterman’s “Martine” children’s books.
What makes you keep puzzling & how often do you puzzle?
Doing puzzles is the promise of a moment just for me. Discovering, sorting, and assembling. It’s as simple as that! Although it obviously depends on the puzzle! If I want a short relaxing moment, I choose mini puzzles of 99 pieces or 500-piece puzzles, and when I want to spend more time on a design, I go for larger or more complex puzzles.
During school holidays, I can do 3 or 4 puzzles per week, and the rest of the year it depends on my free time. Sometimes I can only do one, and other times many more! For example, in December 2024, I received a 99-piece mini puzzle for my advent calendar to complete each day from December 1st to 24th.
What is your favorite type of puzzle?
I have a particular fondness for 500-piece puzzles because I can easily complete them in less than half a day. Otherwise, I enjoy 1000-piece landscape-format puzzles. Puzzles illustrated by artists are my favorites. I can name puzzles illustrated by the French artist @MarionBrouillon, the Canadian artist @nicollelalonde, and the Korean artist @_rowon_a.
During puzzling sessions, do you listen to anything or puzzle in silence?
I always need music, a podcast, or a favorite series playing in the background. It greatly enhances the pleasure of this special moment!
If you were to describe what puzzling means to you, what would it be?
A mystery that can be solved with time, patience, and above all, perseverance!
Tell us about your other interests & joys.
I find beauty in everyday life, and I like to share it through photos or videos whenever I can. Whether it’s my watercolors, the puzzles I do, architecture, animals, plants, landscapes, or travel (this year I had the chance to go to Japan with my partner and discover this beautiful country!), I enjoy sharing my sense of wonder with the people who follow me on Instagram, as well as with my friends and family.
Do you have anything you want to share?
Whatever creative activity you want to fully immerse yourself in, don’t be afraid to fail, start over, or get stuck. Go at your own pace; the important thing is to enjoy what you’re doing. :)